Juz 14: Al-Ḥijr and An-Naḥl
Section 14 of 20 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
12. Allah's Provision: Animals, Transportation, and Unknown Creations
Allah continues to enumerate His blessings by describing how animals serve as means of transportation and burden-bearing:
وَتَحْمِلُ أَثْقَالَكُمْ إِلَىٰ بَلَدٍ لَّمْ تَكُونُوا بَالِغِيهِ إِلَّا بِشِقِّ الْأَنفُسِ إِنَّ رَبَّكُمْ لَرَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ
“And they carry your loads to a land where you would not be able to reach without painful difficulty. Surely, your Lord is Very-Kind, Very-Merciful.”
This verse highlights how animals like camels, horses, and donkeys have been made subservient to humans, carrying heavy burdens to distant lands that would be extremely difficult for humans to reach otherwise. In pre-modern times, these animals were essential for trade, travel, and transportation of goods across challenging terrains. Allah points out that this facilitation is a manifestation of His mercy and compassion toward mankind.
The surah then specifically mentions horses, mules, and donkeys:
وَالْخَيْلَ وَالْبِغَالَ وَالْحَمِيرَ لِتَرْكَبُوهَا وَزِينَةً وَيَخْلُقُ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
“And (He created) horses, mules and donkeys for you to ride, and for adornment. And He creates what you do not know.”
These animals serve dual purposes: functional as riding animals and aesthetically as symbols of status and beauty. Horses particularly were valued for their speed, strength, and noble appearance.
Most remarkably, this verse concludes with a profound statement about Allah's ongoing creation: "And He creates what you do not know." This statement is one of the greatest prophetic miracles of the Quran, as it foretold the development of transportation means that were unimaginable at the time of revelation. In the last century and a half, humanity has witnessed the invention of trains, automobiles, airplanes, rockets, submarines, hovercraft, and countless other transportation technologies that were beyond comprehension in the 7th century.
This divine prediction continues to unfold as new modes of transportation emerge, including recent developments like flying taxis, electric vehicles, and space travel. The verse remains eternally relevant, reminding us that Allah's creative power is unlimited and continues to manifest in ways we cannot foresee.
Allah then directs attention to His guidance:
وَعَلَى اللَّهِ قَصْدُ السَّبِيلِ وَمِنْهَا جَائِرٌ وَلَوْ شَاءَ لَهَدَاكُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ
“It is on Allah to show the right path. And there are some (paths) that are crooked. If He so willed, He would have led all of you to the right path.”
This verse transitions from physical provisions to spiritual guidance, reminding us that just as Allah has provided physical means of transportation, He has also provided guidance for the spiritual journey. The straight path leads to Allah, while crooked paths lead to destruction. This establishes that divine guidance is the greatest blessing of all, complementing the material blessings previously mentioned.
These verses establish a comprehensive worldview: Allah is not only the Creator but also the Sustainer and Guide, who has provided for both material and spiritual needs of humanity through His endless mercy and wisdom.